What Are Grace Marks?
Before we talk specifically about CBSE, let’s first understand what grace marks actually are.
In simple words, grace marks are extra marks given to a student to help them pass an exam or to improve their overall result in special situations. These are not regular marks earned through performance in an exam but are awarded at the discretion of the education board or school.
They are used:
- To help students pass when they are short by a few marks.
- To maintain fairness if a question was out of syllabus or too difficult.
- In special cases like illness, natural disasters, or paper checking issues.
Sounds helpful, right? But how does this apply in the context of CBSE?
Does CBSE Actually Give Grace Marks?
The short answer is: Yes, CBSE does give grace marks – but in limited and justified cases.
CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education), one of India’s largest school education boards, has a formal and well-documented policy for awarding grace marks. However, they don’t give them to everyone or in every situation. There are rules and conditions.
Let’s break it down…
1. Passing Grace Marks (Upto 6 Marks)
If a student is failing in one subject by a small margin (like 1 to 6 marks), CBSE can award grace marks to help them pass.
This is done to reduce the number of students who fail just by a few marks and to encourage their future efforts. For example, if the pass mark is 33 and a student scores 28, CBSE might give 5 grace marks to make it 33.
📝 Important Note: This is not automatic. CBSE checks overall performance and decides if grace marks should be awarded. It’s usually applicable in one subject only.
2. Moderation Policy (Adjusting for Difficult Papers)
CBSE also follows a moderation policy. This means if an exam paper was too difficult, confusing, or had errors, CBSE can add a few marks to all students’ scores to ensure fairness.
This is not the same as grace marks, but often misunderstood as such. Moderation is applied after careful analysis of the paper and performance trends.
🎯 Example: If a Maths paper was found to be very tough, CBSE might give 1–5 extra marks to all students to adjust the overall score distribution.
3. Subject-Wise Grace Marks – Class 12 Board Exams
In some cases, CBSE may give subject-specific grace marks, especially in Class 12, where the pressure is high and future admissions are at stake.
- If the student is passing in all subjects except one and needs a few marks to qualify, they might be given grace marks.
- Also, if a student is failing in two subjects, CBSE may consider “compartment” in one and grace in another, depending on marks.
This policy ensures that no hardworking student fails by just a few marks – as long as they’ve done reasonably well in other subjects.
4. Extraordinary Circumstances (COVID, Disruptions, Errors)
During extraordinary situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, CBSE has awarded additional marks or considered internal assessments to ensure students don’t suffer due to factors beyond their control.
Also, if there was a mistake in the question paper, or an out-of-syllabus question, CBSE provides “proportionate marks” or full marks for such questions.
📍 So yes, in rare but justified cases, CBSE gives grace marks for the sake of fairness.
Common Student Questions About Grace Marks
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions that students often ask us in school:
Q1: Can I request CBSE for grace marks?
No, you cannot apply or request for grace marks. It is awarded automatically by CBSE during result processing based on their policy. Students, teachers, or schools cannot influence this decision.
Q2: How many grace marks can CBSE give?
Usually, up to 6 marks can be given in one subject to help a student pass. This can vary depending on the year, policy updates, and specific exam situation.
Q3: Will I see “Grace Marks” written on my mark sheet?
No. CBSE does not mention “grace marks” separately. Your final mark will appear as normal – whether or not it includes grace marks. This is done to avoid embarrassment or bias.
Q4: Do grace marks affect my overall percentage or admission?
Yes and no. While grace marks can help you pass and improve your percentage slightly, most colleges consider raw performance and entrance exams too. So don’t depend only on grace marks!
What Do Teachers Say
We spoke to a few senior teachers in our school about grace marks, and here’s what they had to say:
“Grace marks are a blessing for students who just fall short by a few marks despite putting in genuine effort. But they should not be seen as a backup plan.”
“CBSE is fair in its system. It always tries to ensure that a student doesn’t fail for reasons beyond their control.”
“But students must aim to prepare well. Grace marks are not a guarantee – they’re just a safety net in rare cases.”
A Quick Classroom Scene:
(Scene from a classroom after results are declared)
Student A: “I passed! I thought I had failed in Physics!”
Student B: “Maybe you got grace marks!”
Teacher: “Possible. CBSE does give them, but don’t count on it next time. Work harder, okay?”
Class: [Smiling and nodding]
A Word to Parents
Dear parents, grace marks are part of a student-friendly approach by CBSE to ensure no deserving child is left behind due to minor shortfalls.
However, they are not a replacement for hard work. Encourage your children to:
- Focus on concepts,
- Practice regularly, and
- Stay confident during exams.
And remember, even if results don’t go perfectly, there are always second chances like compartment exams or revaluation.
Also Read: – Cbse board exam preparation
Final Words – Should You Rely on Grace Marks
🎤 Our honest advice: NO.
While grace marks do exist in CBSE and they can save you from failing, they are not predictable, not guaranteed, and not something you can plan your success around.
Instead, focus on:
- Regular study,
- Solving past year papers,
- Attending revision classes,
- Asking for help when confused,
- And staying positive during exams.
CBSE does its part to be fair – now it’s your turn to give your best!
Also Read: – Which board is best cbse or icse for upsc
Vlog Closing Line:
Thanks for watching and reading this edition of our school vlog! If this helped clear your doubts about CBSE grace marks, give it a thumbs up, share with your classmates, and leave your questions in the comments!
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Until next time – keep learning, stay curious, and remember – you’re more than your marks!

Action driven, Cutting edge knowledge in the field of education.
She has completed her Post Graduation in Business and Computer Analysis and Design from Ohio, USA, MA English Lit. from GNDU and Graduation – Humanities (English Honours, Economics and Psychology).
She has won various prestigious accolades like TOP 50 SCHOOLS – ‘Future 50 Schools’ (2017) all-India award conferred by FORTUNE India, Process audit conducted by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) and final awardees selected by an eminent jury of educationists, GREAT INDIAN SCHOOLS – Award conferred by FORBES India (2019) based on extensive feedback from parents, teachers and alumni, PROGRESSIVE PRINCIPAL of INDIA, SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP in UK – School Partnerships with Alderman Peel High School, Norfolk, and Langham Village School, Norfolk, UK, PARTNERSHIP with DENMARK SCHOOL – FerslevSkole, Aalborg, Denmark and GROUP ORGANISATIONS – Education and Automobiles sectors.